Jesus Empowers You

By the norms of the day, Christ’s actions throughout Scripture were scandalous! But He went about uninhibited. He healed and helped, forgave and lifted up, loved and blessed women. He even empowered them for a life of ministry. While society placed women among the lowest of the low and Jewish leaders often believed women to be incapable and unworthy of a religious education, Jesus intentionally included women in His Kingdom work. Reaching out to society’s outcasts made a most profound statement: Jesus freely brings personal significance to each of us, and offers eternal life for all.
As He traveled from place to place sharing the Good News, guess who joined Him and His twelve disciples? Yes, women (Luke 8:1-3). He valued their company and partnership in ministry. This was radical! Remember, women were not used to having a public presence. Their lives were lived primarily at home. Now Christ was including them in ministry partnership alongside men. He assigned both genders responsibility and influence as His partners in sharing the Good News.
He also empowered women as His witnesses. Just as the Samaritan woman ran to town shouting and testifying about Him (John 4:28-29), so too did the women tell others when they discovered He had risen from the dead. Women were the first to discover His empty tomb (Luke 24:1-12), and the resurrected Christ “appeared first to Mary Magdalene” (Mark 16:9). He wanted women to spread the greatest news in the history of time! It goes to show what a radical concept this was when we see that none of the men believed what they said (Mark 16:11, Luke 24:11). Men were accustomed to dismissing a woman’s testimony. But if Christ had agreed, He never would have entrusted women with this task.
Time and time again, as Jesus walked the earth teaching and loving, interacting with and ministering to people, He never failed to communicate significance to women. His intentions and character are consistent. While people look at the exterior, He looks at the heart. While the world may shame you for being a woman, He elevates you. While people love conditionally, He loves unconditionally. When men, women, and the whole of society degrade you, He reminds you of your priceless value.
Believe it! Own it! Act on it! Jesus loves you, values you and has come to give you life to the full (John 10:10).

This blog is an excerpt from Chapter 6 of the book “Who Do You Think You Are.” Order your copy today >>Purchase book